Ten finalists are competing for the 2025 Jamaica Gospel Star title.

This year the competition, which replaced the Jamaica Gospel Song competition in 2021, returns with a different flavour.

The competition, which is promoted by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), airs Sundays on TVJ and PBCJ at 8:00 pm.

“Gospel Star returns with a fresh twist for 2025, expanding to a five-week series — up from four last year. The season will feature five weeks of live shows, culminating in the grand finals at the National Indoor Sports Centre (Independence Village) on Sunday, August 3,” Carreen Walton, events coordinator, Jamaica Gospel Star, told the Jamaica Observer on Friday.

Walton continued: “A beloved element of the show, the ‘Saved by Grace’ wild card, makes a return in Week 3, giving one previously eliminated contestant from the top eight a chance to re-enter the competition and complete the top six. Adding to the excitement, this year’s finale includes duet performances with well-known local gospel artistes — bringing even more star power to the stage.

“Throughout the season, all performances take place before live studio audience, preserving the vibrant, high-energy atmosphere that fans have come to expect.”

In addition to its televised broadcast, Gospel Star is simulcast on PBCJ’s
YouTube channel and streamed live across social media platforms belonging to the JCDC and the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport. This digital reach facilitates fans tuning in wherever they are — on television, computer, or mobile devices across Jamaica, the Caribbean and the diaspora.

Rahiem Betty, who first entered the competition in 2021, returns this year. The other competitors are 20-year-old Raechel Benjamin, music educator and supporting vocalist Joraine Welsh, 28-year-old guidance counsellor Shushana Levy, 16-year-old high school student Donielle Anderson, Aleece Neufville, Shacquera Bernard from Manchester, Kingston-based Vanessa Smith, the sister duo AMF, and St Catherine-based Vanessa Forbes.

Walton explained the competition’s elimination process.

“In week 2, two contestants are eliminated, leaving the top 8, who perform reggae or dancehall selections. In week 3, three more are eliminated, reducing the pool to five. But in a twist, the judges bring back one contestant via the Saved by Grace wild card, creating a top 6. The semi finals will take place in week 4, where two more contestants will be eliminated with only four remaining. In week 5, the top 4 perform both a solo number and a duet with a well-known local gospel artiste. Voting opens at the end of each show and closes at 6:00 pm on the Saturday before the next episode. Due to the earlier airtime this year, slight adjustments to voting cut-offs may be made,” Walton disclosed.

The winner of the Gospel Star competition will walk away with $1 million in cash among other prizes.

Walton explained how the change from Gospel Song competition to Jamaica Gospel Star has impacted the competition.

“The shift marked a change in format — from an original songwriting contest to a performance-based competition where contestants showcase their vocal talent through gospel covers. The updated format emphasises stage presence, audience engagement, and vocal versatility, while keeping a strong focus on worship and inspiration. With weekly televised shows, live audiences, and public voting, the presentation now mirrors popular international talent shows, raising the overall production value and broadening the show’s appeal. However, we still accept original songs. Last year, competitor Darren Grant performed his own work
Heaven Sent,” said Walton.